Environmental Impact of Skiing on Vall de Nuria

There are many environmental issues associated with alpine skiing, such as soil erosion, deforestation and the positioning of unsightly ski lifts, apart from the problems created by the sheer number of visitors and road traffic. The Vall de Nuria ski resort is unique in that access is only possible by the Cremallera rack and pinion railway or by a tortuous footpath.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Ski resort Vall de Núria Alpine ski Catalan Pyrenees Altitude of 1.964 to 2.252 metres (difference of 288 metres). Alpine ski:    (7 km. of trails)   Alpine ski infrastructure   Trails Kilometers  Green 3 1  Blue 3 3  Red 2 2  Black 2 1 Total 10 7 Lifts Number Ski lift 2 Chair lift 1 Cable car 1   Lifts: 3.120 lift capacity   Innovation - artificial snow: 7 tubes of high pressure , 40 low pressure tubes , 6 trails with artificial snow , 5.000 km. with snowmaking Services   Schools: 1 ski schools , 25 teachers   Security: aid station , emergency equipment and rescues , infirmary   Basic services: Information office , parking , public-address system , toilets , left-luggage office , Snow garden , solarium / terrace, self-service , bar/cafeteria , restaurant   Material: equipment rental , tools for small repairs   Activities: excursions with rackets , strolls in sleigh , ski at night Maximum  visitors per day: 3,500 (Access via Cremallera rack and pinion railway) Total Vall de Nuria staff employed: 160 Accommodation: Hotel (65 rooms), Apartments (12), Hostel and camp site (94 plots, open April-November).